Anti microbial finishes have increased its importance in the recent years for several reasons. They serve the consumer by offering protection from the harmful effects (such as infectious diseases) of certain microbes. More commonly, the finish is designed to inhibit odors that may have been generated by the body, soils, contaminants, or personal care products. Some of these finishes are designed to reduce the deterioration of the fabric from biological activity. The use of synthetic fibers and blends in items such as shirts, hosiery, blouses, and underwear has accelerated the need for bacteriostatic finishes on clothing.

The moisture transport characteristics of such blends tend to cause a greater degree of “perspiration wetness” than occurs with fibers of wholly natural fibers. Additionally, there is a growing volume of literature demonstrating the survival and growth of micro organisms in textiles and their disseminations as a potential health risk. It has been recognised that microorganisms, particularly bacteria thrive on textile materials. Natural fibres, such as cotton, are more susceptible than synthetics because, their porous hydrophilic structure retains water, oxygen and nutrients, providing a perfect environment for bacterial growth. This growth can have a variety of serious consequences, especially with hospitals and schools, which have been recognized to control the environment and health of the people. However, the use of antimicrobials to inhibit odour development resulting from microbial growth on textiles exposed to perspiration has become a wide subject of research. The microbial attack on textiles results in. Odour formation, Contamination risk, Strength reduction and Quality loss.

The inherent properties of the textile fibers provide room for the growth of micro organisms. The structure of the substrate and the chemical processes also induce the growth of microbes. Humid and warm environment aggravate the growth of microbes. Infestation by microbes cause cross infection by pathogens and development of odour, when the fabric is worn next to the skin. In addition, the staining and loss of the performance properties of textile substrates are the results of microbial attack. Anti microbial finishes are applied with a view to protect both, the wearer and the textile substrate.

Microbes: what are they?

Microbes are the tiniest creatures which cannot be seen with the naked eye. They include a variety of micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses. Bacteria are uni-cellular organisms which grow very rapidly under warmth and moisture .Further, sub divisions in the bacteria family are Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative (E-Coli), sporebearing or non spore bearing types. Some specific types of bacteria are pathogenic and cause cross infection. Fungi, molds or mildew are complex organisms with slow growth rate. They stain the fabric and deteriorate the performance properties of the fabrics. Fungi are active at a pH level of 6.5.Algae are typical micro organisms which are either fungal or bacterial. Algae require continuous sources of water and sunlight to grow and develop darker stains on the fabrics. are active in the PH range of 7.0-8.0. Dust mites are eight legged creatures and occupy the household textiles such as blankets bed linen, pillows, mattresses and carpets. The dust mites feed on human skin cells and liberated waste products can cause allergic reactions and respiratory disorders.

The antimicrobial agent works either by the slow release of the active ingredient or by surface contact with the microbes. The antimicrobial agent inhibits the activity of microbes by interfering with the necessary mechanism of the microbe’s cell. Microorganisms are in the air, human bodies, the soil and on all surfaces with which we come in contact. When certain conditions exist, these organisms grow and multiply. The conditions necessary for growth are nutrient source (organic matters, C, O, N, S), warm temperature and moisture.